2016 Subaru Outback Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 open recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer, however old the vehicle is.

Recall data as of Oct 16, 2026 — NHTSA. For a live answer, run the check yourself, or see the latest recalls.

Steering Column

STOP DRIVING
What's wrong:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Risk:
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
What to do:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

NHTSA campaign 16V292000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported May 11, 2016.

Air Bag/Restraint Control Module

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

What's wrong:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.
Risk:
In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
What to do:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUX-09.

NHTSA campaign 19V910000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Dec 19, 2019.

Driveline Driveshaft

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

What's wrong:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Risk:
If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
What to do:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.

NHTSA campaign 15V502000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Aug 10, 2015.

Driveline Driveshaft

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

What's wrong:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.
Risk:
If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
What to do:
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.

NHTSA campaign 15V794000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Nov 24, 2015.

Owner complaints

642filed with NHTSA · 21 in the last 12 months
Filed by yearpeak 2021
151617181920212223242526
Electrical System
309
Visibility/Wiper
83
Engine
52
Power Train
45

22 involved a crash · 3 a fire · 13 injuries

Reported by owners to NHTSA and not verified. Complaints often surface a problem months before a recall.

See the complaints at NHTSA

Other Subaru Outback years

Every year links to that vehicle's full recall page.

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Subaru Outback, every year

How recall repairs work

  • Repairs are free at any franchised Subaru dealer — regardless of the vehicle's age or whether you bought it new.
  • Bring the NHTSA campaign number; it's printed on each recall above and on the sheet you can print here.
  • Call ahead: some recalls are announced before parts are available, and the dealer can tell you when yours are in.
  • Your VIN tells the dealer whether your exact vehicle is affected — the free check accepts one and never stores it.

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